Richmond College is keen to merge with two other colleges.

The proposal to merge Richmond with Harrow College and Uxbridge College (who have already come together to form HCUC) was made this week.

Richmond upon Thames College recently opened the first phase of its new campus development at Twickenham, providing state-of-the-art training and education facilities to over 2,000 students.

Revamped sports facilities will open next summer and a brand-new STEM centre for science, technology, engineering and maths will be opening in summer 2022.

The colleges say the merger will provide a stronger and more sustainable curriculum offer, with benefits to learners, staff and businesses across the West London community through its greater scale, sharing of expertise and resources. It will increase opportunities for:

• student progression
• developing existing and new specialisms
• sharing best practice between staff to expand high quality education

The colleges' individual names and "brand identity" will remain the same.

It is believed the merger will be completed by August 2021 once a comprehensive independent due diligence has been completed.

Richmond's chair of governors Ian Valvona said: "This proposed merger is a watershed moment in Richmond upon Thames College's 80 year history.

"It will bring together three excellent colleges with complementary strengths to continue providing outstanding education and training to students across a large part of London whilst ensuring financial stability for the long term".

Interim principal Elaine McMahon added: "Everyone involved in this proposed merger is excited about the future for further education. It allows Richmond upon Thames College to continue to build on its strengths as a longstanding college within the local and regional community and the three colleges will share and promote best practice teaching and learning to ensure consistent quality throughout every aspect of the three colleges".

Yours views

What do you think about the plan?

Email [email protected] or find us @RichmondNubNews on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.[.b]